Painter

Class Specifications – G.15

Assistant Supervisor Painter – 8103
Lead Painter – 8105
Painter – 8106

June 1992, Updated September 2026

Series Concept

Painters apply coats of paint, varnish, stains, enamel, or lacquer to decorate and protect interior and exterior surfaces, building trimmings, fixtures, and other related structures. They prepare surfaces by smoothing with sandpaper, brushes, or steel wool, and remove old paint using paint removers, scrapers, or wire brushes. To ensure a proper finish, they fill nail holes, cracks, and joints with putty, plaster, or other fillers, and select or mix paints to match specified colors by blending pigments, oils, and thinning or drying agents. They apply paint using brushes, spray guns, or rollers, and may design, layout, and engrave lettering and graphics with automated and manual sign-making equipment to create signs and decorative items for application on surfaces such as metal, wood, glass, oilcloth, poster board, directories, and vehicles. Additionally, they may cover interior walls and ceilings with decorative wallpaper or fabrics and often lead or instruct semi-skilled or unskilled assistants.

Class Concepts

Assistant Supervisor

Under general supervision, incumbents serve as working supervisors for a specific team of painters and helpers within the shop, such as a construction crew, which may be assigned to multiple job sites. The responsibility for supervising different work crews within the shop may shift frequently based on evolving work priorities. Incumbents assist the Supervisor in developing daily work schedules, ensure that work priorities are effectively implemented, and support the evaluation of job performance. They may also recommend disciplinary actions when necessary and assist with job estimating. Additionally, incumbents act on behalf of the Supervisor in their absence.

Lead Painter

Under supervision, incumbents serve as work leaders for one or two painters and helpers assigned to a specific project. They provide clear instructions to ensure efficient completion of tasks, make minor adjustments to materials or work methods in response to delays or other issues, and communicate any work order revisions, material shortages, or problems to the Supervisor or Assistant Supervisor. Incumbents anticipate further directions as needed, maintain accurate records of time and materials, and perform the full scope of job duties outlined in the series concept.

Painter

Under supervision, incumbents perform the full range of duties as outlined in the series concept.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants for positions in the Painter Series are expected to possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.